LOS ANGELES (AP) — Zoe Saldaña has taken home her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Emilia Pérez.” This marks a significant highlight in her already successful award season.
With tears of joy, Saldaña said, “Mami! Mami! My mom is here. My whole family is here. I am floored by this honor. Thank you to the academy for recognizing the quiet heroism and the power in a woman like Rita. Talking about powerful women is so important.” She also praised her fellow nominees for their love and support, promising to pay it forward.
Saldaña received the award from last year’s winner, Da’Vine Joy Randolph. Randolph expressed how Saldaña’s performance took audiences on an inspiring journey, showcasing how to break through personal limits.
The win adds to Saldaña’s growing list of accolades this season. Earlier, she won her first Golden Globe and earned awards from the British Academy Film Awards, Critics Choice Awards, and the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Saldaña reflected on her roots, saying, “My grandmother came to this country in 1961. I am proud to be a child of immigrant parents, and I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award. I know I won’t be the last.”
She was nominated alongside first-time nominees like Monica Barbaro in “A Complete Unknown,” Ariana Grande in “Wicked,” and Isabella Rossellini in “Conclave.” Felicity Jones, who was also nominated, had been up for an Oscar before in 2015.
In “Emilia Pérez,” Saldaña portrays Rita Castro, a struggling lawyer hired by a Mexican drug lord. This drug lord transforms into Emilia Pérez, played by best actress nominee Karla Sofía Gascón, who made history as the first openly transgender actor nominated for an Oscar.
Saldaña highlighted the significance of her role, noting, “Getting this award for a character where I got to sing and speak in Spanish would have delighted my grandmother.”
Jacques Audiard’s film, a Spanish-language narco-musical, led the nominations with 13. However, it faced controversy over past offensive tweets by Gascón and its portrayal of Mexican culture. Saldaña also faced some criticism, as people debated whether she belonged in the Best Supporting Actress category since she had substantial screen time.
Despite challenges, Saldaña described “Emilia Pérez” as a story about identity and love. In her acceptance speech at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, she spoke about the importance of sharing beautiful, thought-provoking stories that reflect truth and love.
With nearly 25 years in the industry, Saldaña is recognized for her roles in major franchises like “Star Trek,” where she played Uhura, “Avatar” as Neytiri, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Gamora, the green-skinned assassin-turned-Guardian of the Galaxy.
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